Category: Steel Detailing Blog

This page show cases some of the Steel Detailing projectgs completed in Melbourne, Sydney, WA, Brisbane Tek1 has completed

  • Why builders and fabricators should care about the legitimacy of supplier services?

    Dealing in Fenced Goods and Services

    It’s not uncommon for those receiving fabrication drawings to overlook the legitimacy of the products used by service providers. There seems to be a prevailing mindset of indifference, with the attitude being, “As long as the drawings are correct, I’m fine—I’m legally protected, and proving involvement with stolen goods is too challenging.”

    Similarly, many fabricators and builders consciously avoid probing into the legitimacy of the software used for services. The fear of inadvertently becoming complicit in any wrongdoing deters them from asking uncomfortable questions. However, this approach presents a couple of significant issues.

    1. It sets a concerning tone within your own business. If engaging in any form of dealing with stolen goods becomes an accepted part of your company philosophy, you inadvertently create an environment where “dealing in stolen goods is acceptable as long as we avoid problems.” This not only makes your business susceptible but also ingrains a risky culture among your staff.
    2. Secondly, this approach poses a broader threat to society. By turning a blind eye to the legitimacy of goods and services, you inadvertently contribute to a scenario where bad actors replace good ones.

    The moral compass guiding what can be stolen and how far one can go becomes unsettlingly subjective, lacking the high ethical standards needed to foster a thriving and reputable industry.

    It’s crucial for businesses to reassess their practices, placing a premium on integrity and ethical conduct to ensure the industry maintains its standards and safeguards against potential harm.

  • The fallacy of insurance in the building and construction industry – (Staff Memo)

    Clients often ask me: “do you have professional indemnity insurance” (PI Insurance)? The short answer is “yes” we do. It isn’t cheap: we pay over $20,000 per year in premiums – last year was about $27,000. But the long answer is, while we do have insurance: you cannot rely on it.

    Here’s why:

    • Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out. Their business model consists of collecting premiums (up front), re-investing those premiums, earning a return on the “float” as well as profiting from any claims that are not paid out. In order to minimise their costs, they are incentivised to fight claims.
    • The procedural / documentation issues: in getting a pay-out is very high – it is almost impossible for anyone to meet these requirements. If a claimant cannot access the insurer’s honey-pot, then you’re stuck without a paddle.
    • Subrogation: You’ll have to claim from me, I will be required to notify the insurance company, and then they will grab the steering wheel off me and takeover – i.e. “subrogation” occurs. Since the insurance company is the one who will be paying out, they must necessarily do this to safeguard their interests.
    • The costs of pursuing a claim are very high.
    • If there is a successful payout – such firms will be black-listed in the insurance market, they won’t be able to get insurance, consequently they may have to go out of business. The mere existence of a firm, lasting 15 years, is indicative of their quality.
    • At Tek1, we limit our liability.
    • Building and construction is usually collaborative endeavour. If a project goes wrong, everyone gets dragged into the fray. Most firms cannot afford to pay for the costs and mistakes of third parties.

    In summary, while we have insurance, both you and me cannot rely on it.

    The best protection is prevention: mitigate risk, and take care, and ensure all parties are equally vested to achieve the desired outcome.

  • You Need to Win Jobs at a Margin (Commercial Tips)

    There is no point being “a busy fool”. If you’re winning jobs at a loss, or at really unattractive margins – things are probably not going to go well for you.

  • Collect a deposit: (Commercial Tips)

    It is critically important that you collect a deposit:

    • So that your client is on the journey with you. i.e. you are both incentivised to reach the same outcome
    • So that you can pay your suppliers (on time).
    • So that you are not held to ransom.
    • So that you can actually do the job, to the standards which you are attaching your name / reputation to.
    • So that you don’t have to BS people – so that when you say you will pay, you can actually do so.
  • Design Challenges: RFI and Amendment

    Design Challenges: RFI and Amendment

    Author: Pon Dhileepan

    This narrative unfolds the profound impact a meticulous steel modeller can have on structural design.

    In a residential villa, a canopy has been included at the entry. To support the canopy on the ground floor, as per the design, a 20Ø threaded rod was initially intended to extend from the floor beam to pick up the canopy frame.

     

    However, during the modelling process, two issues were identified.

    First, the rod would be visible through a glass window, impacting the building’s aesthetics.

    Second, a misalignment between the canopy frame and the floor beam made it impossible for the rod to properly support the canopy.

     

    To address these challenges, a Request for Information (RFI) was initiated. The goal was to find innovative solutions that would not only maintain the intended design but also overcome the unexpected hurdles.

    In a dynamic exchange of ideas, acknowledging the misalignment challenge, a new EA wa. This adjustment aimed to harmonize the canopy frame with the floor beam, ensuring a seamless integration of the threaded rod and the overall structural elements.

     

    Additionally, the window was split into two sections, covering the rod with a silicon butt joint to maintain the building’s visual appeal.

     

    In the face of unexpected design challenges, the collaborative process of raising an RFI and responding with creative solutions led to a harmonious blend of form and function.

  • 9 TRADE PLACE

    9 TRADE PLACE

     

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • RAAFA POOL EXTENSION

    RAAFA POOL EXTENSION

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • THE ENTRANCE HOTEL

    THE ENTRANCE HOTEL

    Author: Raj (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

    THE ENTRANCE HOTEL is a hall structure, and TEK1, a dedicated steel detailer, played a pivotal role in its realization. Specializing in All Steels, TEK1 meticulously executed the installation of anchor bolt steel columns, beams, braces, and purlins.

    As a steel detailer, TEK1 raised multiple Requests for Information (RFIs) along with corresponding proposals. These RFIs contributed to refining the project details, showcasing TEK1’s commitment to precision in steel detailing.

    The client’s prompt response to TEK1’s RFIs facilitated effective communication and adjustments. It’s important to note that while TEK1 did not design the structure, their expertise in steel detailing significantly influenced the project’s success.

    The collaborative efforts of our team, with TEK1 at the forefront of steel detailing, ensured the swift and successful completion of the project.

     

     

     

  • ALDI MERIMBULA, 103 MAIN STREET, NSW 2548

    ALDI MERIMBULA, 103 MAIN STREET, NSW 2548

    Author: Raj (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

    ALDI MERIMBULA features a versatile multipurpose hall structure, and TEK1, a dedicated steel detailer, played a pivotal role in its realization. Specializing in All Steels, TEK1 meticulously executed the installation of anchor bolt steel columns, beams, braces, and purlins.

    As a steel detailer, TEK1 raised multiple Requests for Information (RFIs) along with corresponding proposals. These RFIs contributed to refining the project details, showcasing TEK1’s commitment to precision in steel detailing.

    The client’s prompt response to TEK1’s RFIs facilitated effective communication and adjustments. It’s important to note that while TEK1 did not design the structure, their expertise in steel detailing significantly influenced the project’s success.

    The collaborative efforts of our team, with TEK1 at the forefront of steel detailing, ensured the swift and successful completion of the project.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (more…)